Westminster College Bangkok
We offer an initial year of study for those students whose English proficiency is not sufficient to study on their chosen course.
During this pathway, we build students’ English language for study, and develop the study skills required to study in the medium of English. In addition to following a traditional Grammar and Vocabulary syllabus, and developing skills in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking in English, students also develop skills in Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Creativity and Communication so that they are ready to confidently begin their chosen study progression.
Flexible start date
(Schedule may set up upon registration by school principal)
Topic-based lessons | At lower levels, students are taught a variety of engaging and accessible topics covering a range of humanity and science subjects; for example: Lessons on the broad topic of ‘Competition’ relate to competitive behaviour in the natural world, innovation in technology, psychological pressure, and how competition affects free time in society. At higher levels, students are taught both humanities and science using KS3 materials. |
Reading to Learn | A full range of reading skills are taught, for example, prediction, gist reading, text-mapping, recognising fact and opinion, reading critically etc. In addition, students explore how to recognise word-forms such as compound nouns, prefixes, and adjective/noun families. |
Language in Use | A full grammar syllabus presented in context and with progression throughout the blocks and course. |
Life & Academic skills | Life skills are, for example, group decision-making, planning and prioritising, and developing powers of observation. Academic skills include listening and speaking skills in an academic context such as listening and taking notes, or speaking persuasively in a debate. |
Writing | The task-based writing lessons include both writing strategy and developing language. Tasks include: writing essays (with different structures), reports, articles, and descriptions. Writing strategy includes writing persuasively, presenting arguments & counter-arguments objectively, structuring paragraphs, making writing interesting etc. Language development includes items such as introducing examples, verbs for providing evidence, describing feelings, etc. |
Projects | Mini-projects enable students to work collaboratively using English as a tool of communication to complete a task. Projects include: simple scientific experiments; debates, and planning events. |
Mathematics | Students learn both Mathematics, and the language of Mathematics, and are therefore ready to study mathematics in their chosen course. |
Term 1: 13-week term with 12 weeks of study 1-week mid term break: may selected by academic calendar | Baseline English proficiency test 270 hours of study A2 End of term English proficiency test |
Term 2: 14-week term with 12 weeks of study 1st x 1-week mid-term break (may selected according to academic calendar, for example, Chinese new year) 2nd x 1-week mid-term break: may selected by academic calendar | Baseline English proficiency test (for new starters) 270 hours of study B1 (lower) End of term English proficiency test |
Term 3: 13-week term with 12 weeks of study 1-week half-term break: may selected by academic calendar | Baseline English proficiency test (for new starters) 270 hours of study (B1 upper + lower B2) End of course English proficiency test |
